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Returning to work and the effect on benefits

Workers' compensation pays benefits to employees who are injured on the job. The benefits are paid regardless of who was at fault. If you were at work doing your job, you are protected by workers' compensation insurance. Workers' compensation pays benefits so long as you are unable to work. So what happens to your benefits when you return to work? This post will go over the effect that returning to work has on your benefits and what it may mean for you.

Workers' compensation fulfills two purposes. First, it replaces the wage you would normally earn while on the job. Second, it pays for your medical expenses while you seek treatment.

If your benefits are solely about wage replacement, you are not entitled to receive them after you return to work. If you are unable to earn your full wage or work the same job, then a portion of the benefits may continue until you are back to where you used to be, but they will be reduced.

Conversely, if your benefits are intended to partially to pay for your medical expenses, then those payments should continue. If the insurance company tries to end your payments because you returned to work, you may want to investigate to ensure that you aren't entitled to any medical payments.

If you were on the job, you may want to speak to an attorney. Workers' compensation is designed to provide an easy source of funds for injured workers. But "easy" is a relative term. You still have to fill out the paperwork, comply with deadlines and produce additional evidence all while trying to make it to the doctor. If you are unable or refuse to, that could jeopardize your benefits. An attorney can ease this burden by taking care of the legal side of the problem so you can focus on your job and your recovery.